Wooster Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wooster Square
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Neighborhood of New Haven
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Wooster Street archway decorated with an Cherry Blossom tree, a symbol of New Haven
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Wooster Square within New Haven
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| Country | United States |
| State | Connecticut |
| City | New Haven |
Wooster Square is a lively neighborhood in New Haven, Connecticut. It is located just east of the city's downtown area. The name comes from a beautiful park square in the middle of the neighborhood. This park is named after David Wooster, a hero from the American Revolutionary War.
Wooster Square is also known as Little Italy. It's famous for its strong Italian American culture and amazing food. You can find some of the best pizza in the country here, especially a type called apizza. Famous pizzerias like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Sally's Apizza are located in Wooster Square. The park and much of the neighborhood are part of the Wooster Square Historic District. This area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 because of its special history.
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Celebrate Spring: Cherry Blossom Festival
Every year, Wooster Square Park hosts a wonderful [Cherry Blossom Festival]. This festival celebrates the 72 Yoshino Japanese cherry blossom trees planted in 1973. The New Haven Historic Commission, the Parks Department, and local residents worked together to plant these trees.
The festival started small in the early 1970s. It was just a local band playing for a few neighbors under lighted trees. Today, it's a huge event in New Haven. In 2016, over 10,000 people came to enjoy the beautiful blossoms!
Where is Wooster Square?
The Wooster Square neighborhood is located between the Amtrak railroad tracks and Interstate 91. The railroad tracks separate it from Downtown New Haven. Interstate 91 runs between Exits 1 and 3. The Oak Street Connector forms its southern border.
Wooster Square is surrounded by other New Haven neighborhoods. Downtown New Haven is to its west. Long Wharf is to the south. The Mill River neighborhood is to the east. East Rock is to the north.
A Look Back: History of Wooster Square
Wooster Square gets its name from General David Wooster. He was a hero in the Revolutionary War. He used to have a warehouse near Water Street. In 1825, the city of New Haven bought the land. It then became part of the city.
Back then, the area was very close to the city's waterfront. Now, it's further inland because the harbor has been filled in. By the 1840s, it became a popular place to live. Ship captains and people who sold goods built large houses near the port. Because of this, Wooster Square has many unique 19th-century buildings. These include designs by famous New Haven architect Henry Austin. You can see different styles like Federal, Greek Revival, and Italian Villa. There are also Late Victorian Italianate row houses, and Second Empire and Queen Anne homes.
- Changes Over Time: By the late 1800s, more factories opened nearby. This made Wooster Square less popular for wealthy families. Italian immigrant families began to move in. They opened small stores right out of their homes. This new business activity changed the neighborhood's feel.
- Saving the Neighborhood: In the 1930s, some people wanted to tear down and rebuild the area. In the mid-1950s, there were plans to build Interstate 91 right through Wooster Square Park! But the Wooster Square Project, which started in 1958, helped save the neighborhood. It led to the highway being built around the park instead. This project helped the neighborhood become popular again.
- A New Statue: On June 24, 2020, the Christopher Columbus statue in Wooster Square was removed. City officials decided to replace it. A new statue was put in place in May 2024. It shows an Italian family, celebrating the neighborhood's heritage.
Life in Wooster Square: Culture and Shops
Wooster Square is famous for its restaurants and bakeries. They are known for delicious pizza and Italian pastries. You can also find many local shops and a weekly farmer's market called City Seed.
The neighborhood is great for walking. It's close to Downtown New Haven. Its beautiful buildings and friendly atmosphere make it a very popular place to live in New Haven. It also has a lively art scene.
- The Jesus Tree: Some people say a sycamore tree in Wooster Square Park looks like an outline of Jesus Christ. It's a unique sight!
Notable People from Wooster Square
- Rosa DeLauro - She was born and grew up here. She is a U.S. Congresswoman.
